Warm the cockles of your heart with this delicious recipe for a cup of hot milk with a difference. Known as golden milk or turmeric latte it was discovered fairly recently by myself and carefully modified after trying several versions. Perfect for the cold weather, it is also packed with powerful ingredients that have an anti-inflammation effect on the body and when such foods are taken regularly it can help with preventing disease and the effects of ageing. I can honestly say that even children will be converted by the comforting, warming, scrumptious flavour and why not serve it with some favourite shortbread.

Here's a recipe for 1 cup which can easily multiplied for more servings. If you buy fresh turmeric and ginger it will keep for weeks in a cool pantry. (Read also our blog on anti-inflammation foods).

Now if you really want to make this a powerful anti-inflammatory drink then do add a pinch of freshly ground pepper to the milk which is known to heighten the effect of the turmeric. However, for most tastes it could be a bit too strong. Indeed also play around with the quantities to suit your own taste but this recipe makes a good start.

Ingredients

1 cup of milk, dairy, almond or any other to your taste

2cm of fresh root ginger

2 cm of fresh turmeric (or 1/4 teaspoon of ground)

3 cm cinnamon stick

2 whole cardamoms - opened and seeds crushed

1 teaspoon of good quality honey

1 teaspoon butter

Ground cinnamon / cocoa for serving - optional

Method

Place the milk and all the ingredients apart from the honey into a pan and slowly bring to a simmer then leave to simmer for 10 minutes or so. . Pour through a sieve, add the honey then use a milk frother to make it foamy and bubbly to make it look even more appetising and inviting. Pour into cups then sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or even a little cocoa powder for young ones.